Kate Nicholls, chief executive of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR), said: “The increase to the rate of NLW is lower than previously forecasted and will put money back in the pockets of our customers, but will still tighten margins for businesses and some will struggle to afford it.”

Beer stays safe​

There was no mention of a rise in beer duty, which was praised by both the BBPA and the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

“We are now calling on the Chancellor to cut beer duty in the 2017 Spring Budget, and tackle the unfair burden it places on Britain’s beer drinkers, publicans and brewers,” said Simmonds.

British Hospitality Association chief executive Ufi Ibrahim said it had been another ‘missed opportunity’ for the Government to support the industry.

“The UK’s hospitality and tourism businesses are already experiencing increased costs as a consequence of the fall in the value of Sterling with the price of building materials, cotton and imported food and beverages climbing,” she said.

“[Cutting VAT] is a sure fire way to encourage more people, both domestic and foreign, to enjoy holidays here and would make the UK more competitive with our European competitors, the vast majority of whom have lower tourism VAT rates than us."

The last Autumn Statement​

Hammond’s final announcement was to abolish the Autumn Statement altogether, meaning that from 2018 the hospitality industry will only have to deal with unexpected legislation once a year.

In 2017 there will be an Autumn Budget, followed by a Spring Statement in 2018 responding to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) forecast.

"I will not make significant changes twice a year just for the sake of it," said Hammond.